Potters House from Chengleput, Tamilnadu

The turn of the 20th century house of a practising potter is from the village of Tiruvallur, in Chengelpet district. It represents one of many different layouts for such a house. The original house, though built for one family, was occupied by two brothers and their families, each living on one side of the house with a separate kitchen. The house depicts the actual lifestyle of the potters, with space for living and working. The backyard originally had space for cooking and for cows; at DakshinaChitra, a separate work shed behind the living quarters has been added for demonstration purposes.

Ramu Velar is the master potter working at the potters house. He will only be too happy to explain and encourage you to try out the art of pottery passed on to him through the ages. Ramu velar is also a master of ritual figures and animals. See his work at the Ayyanar Shrine. His works can be ordered through the craftshop.